Washington quietly powers top defensive unit in GLIAC

Junior center makes opponents think twice before driving the lane

The top overall scoring defense in the conference this season has been anchored by a 6-foot-8 shot-blocker affectionately known as “Chief.”

Junior center Darren Washington, the only center on the Grand Valley State University men’s basketball team, is proving to be a disruptive presence in the paint for a stingy Laker defense that is allowing just 65.1 points on average through 10 games.

“We expect him to defend, rebound and play with enthusiasm and passion,” head coach Ric Wesley said. “Good things happen when he does that.”

Washington has brought Division I size to an undersized GVSU roster since transferring from Robert Morris University after his freshman season. He currently leads the team with seven blocks.

He may not be filling the stat sheet with his 4.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, but then again, no stat accurately quantifies low-post intimidation.

Opponents simply appear more content to settle with jump shots when the big man is lurking down low.

“Most big guys are lumbering, slow-moving and low-energy guys quite often,” Wesley said. “But Chief plays with a lot of energy and emotion. His teammates rally around him when he’s on top of his game.”

Washington picked up the nickname when an assistant coach at Robert Morris compared his playing style to NBA great Robert Parish, an excellent defender with a smooth jumper.

The junior has shown flashes of his offensive potential, but his game is far from flashy.

“On offense I try to be an enforcer, like in hockey. I go out there and hit other guys,” he said. “When I get open on the pick and roll, I can score with a layup or by hitting a 10-footer.”

Washington is also a dependable shooter at the free-throw line. He has knocked down 17-of-23 from the charity stripe this season, which is good enough for the third-highest percentage (.739) on the team.

Still, his primary role seems to be providing a spark with his physical prowess.